Do the elaiosome and seed coat color affect the seed quality of Mabea fistulifera Mart?

ABSTRACT: Mabea fistulifera Mart. (Euphorbiaceae) is a native tree recommended for the restoration of degraded areas. The objective was to evaluate the quality of M. fistulifera seed lots through germination and vigor tests. The germination test was conducted in a factorial design (3 x 2 x 2), involving three seed colors (red, orange, and brown), with and without elaiosome, and two substrates (paper roll - PR and top of paper - TP). The conductivity test was arranged in a factorial design (3 x 2), with three seed colors and with and without elaiosome. Survival analysis was performed, along with log-rank and Wilcoxon tests, to compare germination curves. Brown seeds exhibited the highest conductivity and lowest germination, while red seeds showed the lowest conductivity and highest germination. On the PR substrate and without elaiosome, orange seeds had higher initial germination; brown seeds germinated more, and red and orange seeds showed greater deterioration. Red and orange seeds exhibit better physiological quality. Seed color is a reliable indicator of vigor and quality in M. fistulifera seeds. Paper is an effective substrate for germination. The absence of elaiosome may influence water absorption, but its effect on germination is not evident.